Good news, the long-awaited COVID vaccine is now available across the UAE. China’s Sinopharm vaccine was officially registered in the UAE on December 9, 2020, and many have already taken their first dose. If you are considering taking the vaccine, here are all the facts and information you need to know.
Real experiences on Sinopharm COVID 19 vaccine in Dubai
Dubai-based influencer, Buzeal Caldeira, got her first dose immediately after the vaccine was made available. As a government employee, it was mandatory and all she had to do was walk-in to Dubai Parks and Resorts (DPR) with her Emirates ID.
“It was a very smooth process,” Buzeal shares. She went around 3 pm, which is apparently the best time to go as mornings are generally crowded. “After walking in, I barely had to wait for 15 minutes and the ticket was issued. I waited about 10 minutes for my number to be called, and then my details were entered in the system,” she adds.
The next round was a quick run-through on weight, height, blood pressure, and oral questionings on infections and allergies. The doctor was consulted, doubts were cleared and a consent form was signed. Buzeal’s main question was on the side effects, to which she was told that “95% don’t get any side effects, while the remaining 5% may get a mild fever and fatigue.” After getting the vaccine for COVID 19, which is actually a very meager dose, the patient is kept in observation for about 20-30 minutes.
“I felt fine and was dismissed after 20 minutes of getting the vaccine. My blood pressure was checked again and I was asked if I feel alright. The staff was easy, and the whole process took less than two hours,” Buzeal shares. She did add that the injected hand felt a bit heavier the next day, but that is all. Her next dose is on January 6, after which she has to wait for another 21 days to be cited as a “vaccinated person.”
However, it’s not always as smooth for everyone. Arjun Mitra, a university student could not jab a vaccine for himself because he was informed that the wait in the “private facility” in Dubai is for more than 3 hours. “I then decided that I will wait for more vaccine centers to pop up in Dubai,” he says.
36-year-old Abu Dhabi resident and a mother of two, Tasya, registered to get the vaccine directly at the clinic in Abu Dhabi. Nine days in, and she experienced no side effects, not even dizziness or itching that she was warned about. “I’m still trying to be safe, maintaining health protocols and staying at home as much as I can,” she shares. She decided to take the leap on trying the vaccine after consulting with her friends. “I also believe and trust the government to always make the best decision for the people. And last but not least, this vaccine is still better than nothing,” she concludes.
What do we know about Sinopharm COVID 19 vaccine UAE?
This inactivated vaccine is developed by the Sinopharm CNBG’s Beijing Institute of Biological Products. It was officially registered in the UAE on December 9, 2020, (Credit: Time Magazine)
This inactivated vaccine is developed by the Sinopharm CNBG’s Beijing Institute of Biological Products. It was officially registered in the UAE on December 9, 2020. Given that the recent scandals of China have made the world skeptical about trusting its vaccine, but a virologist at the University of Hong Kong believes Sinopharm is safe and effective and could be a great help in fighting the pandemic. When UAE approved the vaccine, the regulators stated that the approval was based on company data showing the efficacy of the two-dose vaccine was 86% in final-stage testing, including a trial in 31,000 people in the UAE, according to the press release.
As of now, the vaccine is being delivered in two doses three weeks apart. The licensed centers are offering Sinopharm free of charge to the residents of UAE.
How old do you need to be to receive the vaccine for COVID 19?
The COVID 19 vaccine is currently only being offered to those above the age of 18.
Who cannot get the vaccine?
- Anyone who is not haemodynamically (blood pressure and heart rate) stable
- Pregnant women
- Anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines
- Anyone with a coagulation dysfunction
- Anyone with a recent history of convulsions, epilepsy, encephalopathy or mental illness
- Anyone who has had a live attenuated vaccine within one month, or other vaccines within the last 14 days
- Anyone with a recent history of Guillain-Barré syndrome or transverse myelitis (both are autoimmune diseases)
How to register to receive the COVID 19 vaccine?
Call Seha on 80050 to book an appointment.
VPS Healthcare
Call on 8005546
WhatsApp – 0565380055
Visit www.covidvaccineuae.com and fill out the form to book an appointment.
NMC facilities
Call up the facility at which you wish to receive the vaccine.
What information do you need to book an appointment?
- Name
- Gender
- Age
- Nationality
- Employer name
- Mobile phone number
- Emirates ID or passport number
- The preferred location for vaccination
How long does the vaccination process take?
The entire process, from the walk-in to complete observation can be wrapped up within 2 hours. The process of receiving the vaccine takes about 15 minutes per person. Observation takes about 30 minutes, and completing formalities will take the rest.
What happens after you reach the facility?
After your number is called out, your vitals will be checked, including blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and body temperature. There will be a run-through of your medical history, oral questioning on allergies, medication is taken, and COVID-19 infections and exposure. For women, there will be urine tests to check pregnancy. You may ask any queries or doubts to your physician before taking the COVID-19 vaccines in UAE.
You will have to sign a consent form to receive the vaccine, which specifies that the vaccine is still undergoing testing, and includes taking the second vaccine dose. It also includes instructions to follow COVID-19 precautionary measures so that others who have not received the vaccine stay safe.
The vaccine will be given in the upper arm, and you will be instructed to wait under observation.
After about 30 minutes, your vitals will be checked again, and you will be asked if you face any discomfort. If you have nothing to report, you will be allowed to leave. If there’s an emergency, you will be treated.
Where to get the COVID-19 vaccines in UAE?
Abu Dhabi
(SEHA facilities)
- Al Zaafarana Centre Diagnostic and Screening Centre
- Al Bateen Health Centre
- Al Maqtaa Health Centre
- Mohammad Bin Zayed City Health Centre
- Baniyas Health Centre
- Khalifa City Health Centre
- Al Falah Health Centre
- Al Bahia Health Centre
Al-Ain
- Oud Al Taibah Diagnostic and Screening Centre
- Hili Health Centre
- Al Yahar Health Centre
- Al Muwaiji Health Centre
- Mezyad Health Centre
- Neama Health Centre
- Al Quaa Health Centre
- Al Hayer Health Centre
- Sweihan Health Centre
Al Dhafra
- Al Dhafra Clinic in Madinat Zayed
- Madinat Zayed Hospital
- Ghayathi Hospital
- Al Mirfa Hospital
- Delma Hospital
- Al Sila Hospital
- Liwa Hospital
VPS facilities
- Burjeel Hosptial
- Burjeel Medical City
- Medeor 24×7 Hospital
- LLH Hospital
- Burjeel Medical Centre, Deerfields Hospital
- Burjeel Medical Centre, Al Zeina
- Burjeel Medical Centre, Yas Mall
- Burjeel Medical Centre, MHPC
- Burjeel Day Surgery Centre, Al Reem Island
- Burjeel Oasis Medical Centre, Beda Zayed
- Tajmeel Kids Park, Shahama
- Lifecare Hospital, Musaffah
- LLH Hospital, Al Musaffah
- Occumed Clinic, Musaffah
NMC facilities
- NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi
- NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa Centre
- NMC Royal Medical Centre, Shahama
- NMC Royal Medical Centre, Karama
- NMC Medical Centre, ICAD
- Bareeen International Hospital
- NMC Golden Sands Medical Centre
- NMC Specialty Medical Center, Khalidiyah
- NMC Alpha Medical Centre
- NMC Oxford Medical Centre
- NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
Dubai</4>
- Dubai Parks and Resorts Field Hospital
Sharjah
- Wasit Health Centre
- Al Dhaid Health Centre
- Pearling Health Centre
- Pure Health Family Health Promotion Centre
- Al Madam Health Centre
- Kalba Health Centre
Ajman
- Al Hamidiyah Health Centre
- Mushairef Health Centre
Umm Al Quwain
- Bait Al Mitwahid Centre
- Falaj Al Mualla Health Centre
Ras Al Khaimah
- Al Marid Medical Centre
- Al Jazeera Health Centre
- Al Munaii Health Centre
Fujairah
- Mraished Health Centre
- Al Khulaibiya Health Centre
- Antana Health Centre
